The University of Melbourne has published its fourth Sexual Misconduct Annual Report, highlighting the University's commitment to transparency in how it responds to sexual misconduct within its community.
The report includes outcomes of investigations and the consequences for staff and students who breached University of Melbourne policies, together with the progress the institution has made in preventing sexual harm and sexual harassment.
Latest data includes:
- 23 complaints were made against students, down from 25 complaints in 2023.
- 21 complaints were made against staff, up from seven complaints in 2023.
- In 2024, a total of six people were dismissed from the University in 2024 upon a finding of sexual misconduct.
- In 2024, one student was expelled from the University, three were suspended with conditions placed on re-enrolment, and a range of penalties applied for a total of three others.
University of Melbourne Provost, Professor Nicola Phillips said the University has made significant progress since the first report was published four years ago, but there is more work to be done.
"Everyone in our University is entitled to expect an environment that is safe, positive and enriching," Professor Phillips said.
"No individual in our community should be subjected to sexual harassment or sexual assault as they go about their studies or work, and everyone should expect – and insist on – an environment which is characterised by professionalism and respect.
"The University leadership's commitment to eliminating sexual misconduct remains undimmed and the publication of the 2024 Sexual Misconduct Annual Report is critical to achieving transparency and accountability.
"We will continue to stand up for these values and decisively respond to sexual assault or sexual harassment where it is found to have occurred in our community, following processes that are conducted fairly and carefully.
"But it is not just about responding when these things happen. It is also about creating a positive culture right across our University in which these forms of abuse are not accepted, are not accommodated or enabled or trivialised, and are always taken seriously – regardless of who the perpetrator may be.
"Every two years the University releases a Respect Action Plan, which clearly outlines the action the University commits to taking. The new two-year Action Plan for 2025-2027 has just been released.
"These plans are informed by recommendations from victim-survivors, University subject-matter experts, and student and staff representatives. The actions include mandatory awareness training for every member of our community – both students and staff – so everyone knows what sexual misconduct is and the role they can and must play in preventing and responding to it.
"New initiatives in the Respect Action Plan highlight the crucial role of men in engaging with efforts to prevent sexual harm, as well as a focus on online safety, the specific needs of international students, and the importance of consistent processes in prevention and response across the University, colleges and MU Sport.
Professor Phillips encouraged any members of the university community wishing to access support or raise concerns to contact the Safer Community Program or to use the Speak Safely online portal.
"I'd like to thank all our students and staff members for engaging in our Respect work, and to especially acknowledge victim-survivors, who are working with us to address and eliminate sexual misconduct from our community. I encourage anyone with concerns to connect with our Safer Community Program, with the assurance that all issues will be handled in a respectful, fair and confidential manner."
